Conference helps to keep Cheshire businesses safe

Organisations from across Cheshire convened at Crewe’s Mornflake Stadium on Thursday 15 February, where the police and key partners presented the latest initiatives to prevent and tackle retail and business crime.

The Cheshire Retail and Business Crime Conference was hosted by Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer, in partnership with Cheshire Constabulary, the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) and North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC).

Sessions and presentations on cyber security, forensic property marking and a new police Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) gave businesses important information on how to protect themselves from criminals both on and offline, and how the police are using the latest technology to bring criminals to justice.

During the event, the NWCRC launched its fully funded-free Cheshire Cyber Security Programme, which has free membership and training for 150 businesses, worth £500 each. The NWCRC was launched in 2019 as a police-led not-for-profit organisation to support small businesses with education, training and resources to tackle cyber crime.

Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer said:

“Tackling retail and business crime is part of Cheshire’s Police and Crime Plan. I know that businesses face a range of threats both on and offline, so I wanted to bring the county’s business community together to share best practice and reassure them about the action being taken on these issues.

“Whether a business is primarily affected by retail or cyber crime, or both, there has been something for everyone here. Through better property marking and evidence-gathering technology the police are able to catch the thieves who target local stores, and the NWCRC’s Cheshire Cyber Security Programme will give businesses the know-how on protecting themselves from cyber criminals who want to steal their data.

“It’s been great to see so many organisations engaging with the police, but it doesn’t end here. I look forward to working with everyone to make Cheshire an even safer place to operate a business.”

DI Dan Giannasi, head of cyber and innovation at the NWCRC, said:

“Cyber crime is a growing threat for small businesses – one phishing attack or data breach can wipe out a small business completely. As a not-for-profit and police-led organisation, the preventative training and education that we do with businesses is of vast importance. We’re extremely pleased to be working alongside Cheshire Constabulary to provide free memberships and training for Cheshire businesses.”

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Maddocks from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said:

"Cyber crime is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK and a key priority for us at the NWROCU. Last year alone, 11% of UK firms experienced cyber crime attacks which can result in significant losses and devastation.

"As a partner of the NWCRC, we’re encouraging small businesses in Cheshire to take advantage of the free memberships on offer, to help defend themselves against cybercrime.

"As part of the service, the NWCRC provides professional cyber security advice and support to help secure your business from this growing threat.

“We will continue to work with the NWCRC, and police forces in the North West to make the region a safe place to do business.”

Pictured - DI Dan Giannasi speaking at the conference.